Khagaria (Bihar): Seizing on a stinging attack by Bihar BJP MP R K Singh on party ticket distribution in the poll-bound state, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday said BJP's 'true colours' have been exposed even as the former bureaucrat steadfastly stood by his remark.

In potentially damaging remarks for BJP ahead of the high-stakes polls, its MP and former Union Home Secretary RK Singh on Saturday alleged that party tickets were sold to criminals, a charge dismissed as 'baseless' by the party but termed 'exceptionally grave' by rivals.

Singh got the backing of outgoing BJP MLA Vikram Kunwar who said he was denied ticket from Raghunathpur, alleging it was 'sold' to Manoj Singh, a turncoat and a sharpshooter of Shahabuddin. Kumar touched upon Singh's allegation while addressing a series of election rallies in the state.

"On one side there is unity, and on the other side(NDA) there are differences, fights and troubles. Now an MP of the BJP, has openly accused the party on how tickets are being distributed in Bihar by BJP. The sort of 'Charitrawaan' (principled) people are being given tickets, We are not saying this, it is people from BJP who are saying this. The true colours of the BJP have been exposed," the senior JD(U) leader said while addressing a series of election rallies.

Claiming that BJP leaders in Bihar are 'upset' over ticket distribution, Singh yesterday said he was just putting forth the stance of the party workers.

"I've received over 1,000 calls since Saturday just to tell me that I said the right thing, and this has boosted the morale of the party workers. This is not about my unhappiness, I'm not upset. I'm just putting forth the stance of the party workers, somebody has to do that,” he said.